Draguignan

RHONE AMERICAN CEMETERY

This World War II American Battle Monuments Cemetery and Memorial is located in the city of Draguignan (), about twenty miles west of Cannes and sixteen miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea. It can be reached from by toll Autoroutes A6/A7/A8 and taking the exit onto Highway N-555 to Draguignan. Railroad trains from Cannes, and Paris stop at St. Raphael where taxicab and bus services are available to the cemetery twenty miles away. Hotel accommodations in Draguignan are limited but there are many hotels in St. Raphael.

Draguignan was selected for the cemetery site for its historic location along the route of the u.s. Seventh Army’s drive up the Rhone Valley. It was established on

Graves and Memorial August 19, 1944 after the Seventh Army’s surprise landing in southern France. This cemetery, twelve acres in extent, is located at the foot of a hill clad with characteristic cypresses, olive trees and oleanders of

southern France. Here rest 861 American Military Dead .

On the hillside overlooking the burial area is the chapel with its large sculptured figure and decorative mosaic within. Between the chapel and the burial area is a great bronze relief map recalling the military operations in the region. On the retaining wall of the terrace are inscribed the names of 294 (MIA) Americans Missing who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves.

Summer: Open hours are from 9:00am to 6;O0pm Winter: Open hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Memorial

d 103 Division Graves at Draguignan

th th th 409 410 411 103 FA Total 0 0 0 1 1

TEXAS WW II HISTORICAL MONUMENT FUND 09 12 03